Most fixatives used today in museums are based on a formalin fixation
technique derived by Kaiserling (1897). Kaiserling recommended that the
initial fixation be a neutral formalin (KI) solution and then transferred to
a final preserving glycerin solution (KIII) for long term display. Color
preservation is also maintained with these solutions.
KI solution:
Formalin 1 litre
Potassium acetate 85 g.
Potassium nitrate 45 g.
DH20 Make up to 10 litres
KIII solution:
Sodium acetate 1416 g.
Glycerine 4 litres
DH20 Make up to 10 litres
Thymol crystals to prevent moulds.
Edwards, J.J. & Edwards, M. J. (1959) Medical Museum Technology. London:
Oxford University Press.
Kaiserling, C. (1897) Virchows Archiv fur pathologische Anatomie und
Physiologie und fur klinische Medizin, 147.
Eric C. Kellar
Histology/Immunohistochemistry
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
-----Original Message-----
From: Rae Staskiewicz
To: Histonet
Sent: 9/10/99 5:17 PM
Subject: Formula for long term "museum" storage
Hi everyone,
This afternoon, the Department of Natural Resources came to us to
find
out what the best medium would be for long term storage of a snake. They
want the color to be maintained. Something like what they use in
museums. I
could not find anything in the reference books we have. Can anyone help?
Rae Ann Staskiewicz
Galesburg Animal Disease Lab
Galesburg, IL